Despite the affordable care act health, care coverage has been inconsistent for low-income individuals and people shopping for their owns plans. This according to a report from the University of Michigan.

It’s aimed at helping small business owners understand how to reach customers through the internet.

Experts say 97-percent of consumers look for local businesses online, but less than 30-percent of small businesses report having a website.

Whitney Cox is with Google.

“It’s so important for businesses to be online, like I said 97 percent of consumers use the web to find local goods and services, so no longer do we turn to our computer throughout the day, now we turn to our phones.”

Cox said 10 Google experts will be available to help small business owners start a website, and get their business on Google Maps.

“If I need directions I turn to my phone, if I wanna read reviews I turn to my phone, if i’m waiting in line a the coffee shop I turn to my phone. So now our phones are indispensable shopping tools, and it’s so so important that businesses get online and reach customers in those moments that matter.”

The event is taking place at the Flint Institute for the Arts from 9am to 12 pm. Cox said the first half will be seminar, and the second will be workshop based. The event is free and registration can be found at https://events.gybo.com/events/246/register

Eric Mitchell is the Director of Government Relations for Bread for the World. He says, the criminal justice system contributes to hunger in America in many ways.

“Many women who were formerly incarcerated have less access to food, less access to safety net programs like food stamps, housing vouchers, have a loss of household income, added debt, and most importantly it’s harder for them to find and maintain solid jobs to provide for themselves and their families.”

Mitchell said they want candidates not only talk about criminal justice reform but to take action.

The Department of Environmental Quality approved supports for those four spots, but delayed action on 18 others that Enbridge requested.

Environmental groups said they’re hopeful this means the government is getting serious about a line shutdown.

But Michael Barnes, a spokesperson for Enbridge, said that’s not how he sees it.

“We think that we’re all working towards the same thing and that’s to protect the straits and keep energy flowing into Michigan.”

Officials with the DEQ said they will delay a decision on the 18 additional supports until two studies on the risks of the pipeline and alternative ways for transporting the oil are completed. Results of those studies are expected early next year.